Board of Directors Praises Tom Cern's Leadership, Welcomes New President

Tom Cern, who effectively led School One's Board of Directors since 2009, passed on the presidency to fellow member Daria Kreher in January. The board gratefully acknowledges Tom's direction, including his role in developing sound investment strategies and his financial guidance. Tom, a financial advisor at MassMutual and vice president/director at Charles River Financial Services, will continue to offer his services as a board member.

New President Daria Kreher joined the School One community in 2008. She became intrigued by the school through conversations with Jay McNally ('74), for whom she worked at Ibis Consulting, Inc., the electronic data discovery firm he founded. She is now a vice president in Human Resources at RBS Citizens Bank.

During the past year, Daria, along with Tom, oversaw the development of School One's strategic plan. She also served as chair of the Governance Committee and co-chaired the ad hoc Fund Development Committee as part of the Strategic Planning process.

"School One's board is engaged and hard working, and we have a lot of work to do over the next three years, so it needs to be!" Daria said, adding, "The faculty and staff are dedicated and passionate about what they do and about the future of the students. The kids have taught me to be joyful and embrace my own individuality. I am truly blessed to be part of this wonderful family, and hope I can live up to the expectations that have been set by my predecessors."

Daria lives in North Kingstown, has a 23-year-old daughter who recently graduated from Elon University and has a cat named Marley. In addition to dancing, which is one of her passions, she has dedicated considerable time and energy to several other nonprofits, including the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Urban League of RI and the Child Care Center. Also, she currently sits on the Board of the Women's Fund of Rhode Island.